§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received on the report on "Opticians and Competition" by the Office of Fair Trading.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe have received a number of representations from organisations representing consumers, organisations representing opticians, the medical profession and members of the public. Some favour the Office of Fair Trading's conclusions, other do not.
§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will now announce the Government's views on proposals from the General Optical Council in response to the report by the Office of Fair Trading on "Opticians and Competition"; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI assume that the hon. Member is referring to the proposed revised rules on publicity which the General Optical Council (GOC) sent to the Privy Council Office for preliminary comment. The Privy Council Office has advised the GOC of the Government's view that the proposed new rules do not provide an adequate response to the comments on these matters contained in the Office of Fair Trading report. The Government are now considering what further steps may be necessary.